In-state tuition bill survives close Senate vote

A bill that would offer in-state tuition for the children of undocumented immigrants is creating a wedge among Florida's lawmakers. The bill barely made it past a Senate committee this morning -- passing with 5 to 4 vote.

Among the naysayers: Fort Myers Senator Lizabeth Benacquisto.

Florida Gulf Coast University officials say they support the bill. Tonight they tell us they're not prepared to close the door on anyone who makes it to this country and is willing seek an education. If some state leaders have their way they won't have to.

"Many of these students, the first time they learn they're undocumented is when they apply for college," said Marc Laviolette, FGCU Director of Admission.

It's a harsh dose of reality that's currently costing at least 30 or so undocumented students at Florida Gulf Coast University thousands of dollars yearly.

"We provided them with education right up to grade 12, but all of a sudden we slam the door on them, ‘no, you can continue, but you're going to have to pay these large fees,'" Laviolette said.

The effort to change that is moving forward, but not without its challenges.

Not all Republicans see it the same way. Governor Rick Scott has voiced support for the bill.

"I think this is an indication of what's going on around the country and an indication of the Hispanic vote, particularly in Florida, and in other states has gained political power," said Peter Bergerson, FGCU Professor.

Student support for the bill is also gaining traction statewide.

"It's one thing for me as student body president to say we support it, it's another thing for resolution to come from the student body senate, student government senate and say we all support this," said Juan Cubillio, FGCU student government president.

Over the past decade more than 16 states have passed similar in-state tuition polices. The bill has a few more committees to go through before it goes to the full Senate for vote.

After a gunman stormed Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in South Florida Wednesday and killed 17 people, a student who survived the massacre said suspected shooter Nikolas Cruz could have been stopped if a teacher had a firearm as well.